PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Extraordinary Teachers, Inspiration in the Classroom

Investing in science and environmental education is paramount if we hope to empower future generations and provide them with the tools needed to combat the greatest environmental challenges the world has faced.

Teach Earth offers teachers the opportunity to experience scientific research first-hand, providing you with the tools to make science come alive in your classroom. Each year, we select talented K-12 teachers from all subject areas to be part of this unique professional development opportunity. From the edge of the Arctic to the Wetlands of Mexico City, these teachers collect data on climate change, ecology, wildlife, and more. Teachers have the opportunity to learn the scientific process first hand and help to solve some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. Teachers return to the classroom with new perspectives and knowledge, invigorated and inspired to share the experience of real discovery with their students.

The Teach Earth Experience:

Immerse yourself in a 7-14 day science learning and professional development experience in natural landscapes on an Earthwatch Expedition.

Gain confidence, skills, and knowledge in scientific research and environmental issues through hands-on data collection and through lectures with world class scientists.

Participate in 5 workshops led by an experienced Senior Fellow on transitioning your field experience to your classroom.

Invigorate your teaching with new insights gained “in the field” and inspire your students in new ways.

Collaborate on an all teacher expedition and share best practices, ideas, and the spirit of team-based scientific inquiry.

Support a critical conservation research project and help to solve key environmental challenges.

Ignite scientific discovery and environmental awareness within your classroom or community through a community action project or lesson plan.

The Teach Earth Alumni Network:

Following the expedition you become part of the Teach Earth Alumni Network and gain access to the following:

Online community forum to stay in touch with other teachers, seek advice, stay motivated, and find out about grant opportunities.

Online access to hundreds of lesson plans developed by program alums and curated by Earthwatch.

Webinar series on topics selected by the community including, adapting to NGSS, teaching climate change, etc.

Regional gatherings of alumni.

Qualifications:

K-12 classroom teacher in the United States

Available to travel for 7-14 days

Passion for education

Interest in environmental issues or how scientific research is conducted

Desire to improve environmental or science education

Enthusiasm for collaborating with a team of teachers from diverse backgrounds and expertise

Commitment to engaging your students and community inside and outside the classroom

(An individual may only receive 2 Teach Earth USA Fellowships in his or her lifetime).

Award Details:

Last year we received a record breaking number of applications for Teach Earth - over 20 times as many applicants as fully funded fellowships. In response to this interest, we have opened up the program to include partially funded fellowships at a subsidized rate. All interested teachers must apply and specify on your application if you are seeking a fully or partially funded fellowship. If awarded a fellowship we will inform you of the level of funding covered by Earthwatch grants. All applications will be reviewed need-blind, and fellows chosen based on merit.

For teachers interested in a partially funded fellowship, here are resources on grants you can apply for to cover the remaining tuition or travel costs.

As an educator fellow, you'll work alongside fellow teachers on an Earthwatch Expedition.

“By understanding how the research is obtained I hope to be able to provide my students with more authentic experiences and allow them to get their hands dirty working in the field as well.”
Ken Pallis, 2017 Fellow

Teach Earth is all about genuine scientific research.

“I am a better teacher after this experience mostly because it has made me aware of so many more ways I can engage with my students in practicing these skills anywhere and everywhere.”
Lucia Alcantara-Chibane, 2017 Fellow